LEONARDTOWN, Md. – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County approved amendments to the county’s Building Excise Tax Ordinance on a 3-2 vote during their March 24, 2026 business meeting, extending the tax collection requirements to development within the Town of Leonardtown.
Commissioners James R. Guy, Michael L. Hewitt and Scott R. Ostrow voted in favor. Commissioners Michael R. Alderson Jr. and Eric S. Colvin voted against the measure. The amendments clarify that the existing excise tax applies countywide, including municipal boundaries, and establish a framework for collection and remittance. County officials have stated the changes do not increase tax rates or expand the underlying authority granted by the Maryland General Assembly in 2021 under HB 528.
The tax, set at $6,697 for a standard single-family detached dwelling in fiscal 2026, helps fund infrastructure including schools, roads, parks and public safety facilities generated by new growth. During debate, Colvin advocated for a cooperative approach with Leonardtown, noting the town already collects higher property taxes and its own impact fees. He questioned whether the county would pursue legal action if the town did not collect the full amount and highlighted the effective cost to homebuyers using a 30-year mortgage. The town has indicated willingness to collect the education portion.
The ordinance amendments followed a Feb. 10 presentation and a March 10 public hearing where seven residents voiced opposition, citing potential impacts on housing affordability. The public hearing notice and proposed text are available on the county website.
The meeting opened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. On the consent agenda, commissioners authorized the FY2027 Transportation Program Priorities letter as amended from the March 10 discussion and approved appointments to local boards, committees and commissions.
They issued proclamations recognizing Equal Pay Day and National Agriculture Day. Dr. Yolanda Wilson, president of the College of Southern Maryland, presented the annual State of the College update. A student from Great Mills, Valeria Cervantes-Corona, joined her and shared experiences at the institution, which serves students across Southern Maryland.
During County Administrator Time, the board reviewed upcoming meeting agendas. It authorized the Procurement Officer to award the calendar year 2026 asphalt overlay services contract to Amrize Mid-Atlantic Inc. for $2,378,775 using funds already approved in the county budget. Commissioners also approved the FY2027 St. Mary’s Transit System Annual Transportation Plan grant application totaling $5,528,828. This includes $1,992,299 in federal and state funds plus $2,057,369 in county funds for operations, and $1,257,286 in federal and state funds plus $221,874 in county funds for capital projects.
The County Attorney’s Office provided a legislative update noting the Maryland General Assembly had reached crossover, offering clearer insight into bills likely to advance or fail this session.
In Commissioner Time, Colvin highlighted the recent Cherry Blossom Festival, the upcoming Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 28 at the fairgrounds, and the Annual St. Mary’s County 4-H Banquet. He praised the work of 4-H youth and volunteers. The board then recessed and reconvened at 10:45 a.m. for a budget work session. Adjustments were made to the proposed FY2027 budget, which maintains current tax rates while allocating resources to the school system, Sheriff’s Office, State’s Attorney, library and county government. Colvin presented an option using unassigned fund balance to pay off some FY2024 exempt financing early, freeing operating revenue to support sworn officers and corrections officers. Finance staff will review the proposal for discussion in May. He expressed optimism for a unanimous vote on the final budget.
At 2 p.m., commissioners joined state and federal leaders for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating runway extension and terminal upgrades at the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport in California. The multi-year, approximately $22 million project added nearly 1,100 feet to the runway, enabling accommodation of larger aircraft including defense, medevac and corporate jets. Upgrades also included terminal interior and exterior improvements. Attendees included Governor Wes Moore and Congressman Steny Hoyer. Video of the event is available on the county YouTube channel and photos on Flickr.
The next commissioners meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31 at 9 a.m. in the Chesapeake Building at 41770 Baldridge Street. Meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live on TV Channel 95 or streamed on YouTube. Decisions and documents are posted on the St. Mary’s County Government website under Board Documents.
These actions reflect ongoing efforts to balance growth management, infrastructure needs and fiscal responsibility in Southern Maryland’s fastest-growing county.
